Hygrophila balsamica

[ragn4rok]

Anyone has experience with this plant? Is it really toxic for fish? Thanks.

Jeffrey

[gchoo]

I've been growing the plant for 4 years both emmersed and submersed. No problems with my fishes.

[ragn4rok]

Thanks gchoo. Is it a difficult plant to grow? What is the water parameters to keep them under optimal condition?

[gchoo]

No, requirements are fairly easy. Hygrophila sp plants are easy to grow and maintain. Have a rich substrate and it will definately grow into a giant! Other than the usual stem cutting method of propagation, you can also propagate via it's leaves.

Have fun!

[Quixotic]

Hmm... wasn't it said that H. balsamica is only toxic when it is in emersed form? It isn't supposedly toxic in submersed form.

[StanChung]

That's correct. Emersed H balsamica planted in aquarium in large enough qty will kill fishes. Especially if the plant has open cuts.

[Plantbrain]

I've seen 75 gallon tanks with this stuff packed in the tank with no ill effects on any fish, the owners trim it often, they have to, the plant is a weed.

I see no basis, at least in aquariums for this.
There's no evidence near as I can tell and there are some clubs here in the USa that use a great deal of it, none have ever reported fish related issues.

I'd say that entire notion is a myth.
I cannot say about the emergent variety .........although I'm skeptical.
I do not keep fish emergent so it's not an issue for me

Regards,
Tom Barr

[Quixotic]

I do not keep fish emergent so it's not an issue for me

Hahaha, nice one Tom.

Don't get me wrong, I am on the skeptical side too, as I haven't really heard of mass fauna deaths related to this, though I have heard a number of aquarists using this plant. Thus the "Hmmm..."...

Someone care do some experiments?

[StanChung]

Tom.
The only problem I see is when buying from farms that cultivate/sell emergent balsamica.
I've only heard of mysterious fish deaths that occur one or two a day from planting this plant though I've not experienced it myself.

[ragn4rok]

Not too difficult I think Loves the leaves shape so much. It's not common for aquascape because it's still a new plant here in Indonesia.